The NZFDIC is a leadership and governing body which promotes and supports the local provision of impartial disability information and referral services across New Zealand. Information and services are community integrated, needs driven and focused on upholding established national standards, training, promotion and lobbying aims, as outlined in the New Zealand Disability Strategy Document. 

“Brave New World – Creating the Future Now”

Encompassing the theme of a “Brave New World – Creating the Future Now”, the conference provided delegates with fresh ideas and challenged traditional thinking methods – as organisations must remain agile and adopt innovative practices, with changes to the disability sector creating uncertainty around contracts and funding. Despite these changes, the NZFDIC are determined for their Centres to play a key role moving forward, helping the sector to identify service gaps and opportunities. 

Attended by those working in service level, management and governance positions, conference delegates included the likes of People First NZ, Disability Information Service (DIS), Disability Connect, Enable NZ, and Life Unlimited. TechSoup New Zealand delivered a 45-minute presentation, informing delegates on its range of programs and services, including the Technology Donations and Discounts Program, Membership Program and Events and Training Program. 

Followed by questions and further discussion, a number of delegates met with TechSoup New Zealand representatives to ask specific technical or IT-related questions, and to discover how TechSoup New Zealand could assist them with their technology needs. Significant conversations were had with a number of other organisations including Headway: Brain Injury Association of Auckland, Rape Prevention Education (RPE), and the Manawatu Volunteer Resource Centre. 

Delegates were treated to inspiring presentations from the Hon Nicky Wagner, Minister for Disability Issues, and Geoff Connor, Chief Advisor at Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Guest speakers also included Megan McCoy (New Zealand Disability Strategy - Office for Disability Issues), Scott Ambridge and Raewyn Cameron (Enable NZ), and -Lachlan Keating (Deaf Aotearoa NZ). 

Collectively, Federation Centres service over 200,000 client calls each year for disability information needs, through a network of independent community Centres nationwide. Through its range of technology programs and services, TechSoup New Zealand is committed to assisting the disability sector, and to support the NZFDIC in continuing to deliver its vital information and referral services. 

Knowledge is power...Information is the key.

For more information about NZFDIC, please visit www.nzfdic.org.nz